School of Pharmacy and Wayne State University in long-term collaboration

SOP continues in its drive to expand its partnerships and affiliations with leading international schools and colleges of pharmacy.

October 18, 2017

“We are happy to have this affiliation with LAU,” said Deepak Bhalla, dean of Wayne State University (WSU) Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between his school and LAU’s School of Pharmacy.

The agreement marks the beginning of an ongoing collaboration in teaching and research, “creates a mutually beneficial international exchange program between our universities, and provides a platform for cultural and educational enrichment of students at LAU and WSU,” added Bhalla.

Dean of LAU’s School of Pharmacy Imad Btaiche also expressed his delight with the agreement, which will facilitate an exchange of students, faculty members and research personnel between the two schools, the development of joint research projects and the cross promotion of both school’s academic programs.

“WSU’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences ranks in the top tier of U.S. schools and colleges of pharmacy and, as it is located in Detroit, a large number of its students and faculty members are Arab American,” explains Btaiche. “As such, this agreement will also help strengthen cultural connections between LAU and the Lebanese diaspora in the Detroit area.”

The cooperation between the two universities supports LAU’s current strategic plan, adds the dean, particularly the aim to promote ‘a network of academic and corporate alliances.’ This MOU is also in line with the School of Pharmacy’s drive to expand and strengthen its partnerships and affiliations with U.S. and international premier schools and colleges of pharmacy.

Up to three Pharm.D. student exchanges are anticipated in the coming year, while faculty exchanges will promote professional development in research and education at both schools. “Visiting faculty will receive structured training in basic and clinical research aimed at boosting research productivity and developing joint studies in diverse areas in the sciences,” explained Btaiche. “We may also seek to work together on the development of curricula and innovative practice models.”